Figures obtained by the BBC show the average yearly rainfall has risen by more than 20% in parts of the region in the past 60 years.

The region's climate is becoming much wetter.

However, temperatures are also rising, which tourism bosses say will attract more visitors.

One of the morals of the story is that when older people say when they were young it wasn't as wet, they were actually right

David Watkins, Camborne School of Mines

Recent heavy rain and minor flooding are elements of what is believed to be an emerging pattern.

New research by the Camborne School of Mines shows the effect of climate change since 1940.

Cornwall's average annual rainfall has gone up from 1,200 millimetres to more than 1,400 - a rise of 22%.

Almost all the extra rain falls in winter.

David Watkins of the school of mines said: "One of the morals of the story is that when older people say when they were young it wasn't as wet, they were actually right, and we've got the evidence to prove it.

"But a more serious point is we've got to deal with this climate."

One of the most pressing problems to cope with is flooding.

Summers are getting hotter too

The south Devon village of Harbertonford has been flooded five times in three years.

Clive Lawrence runs the village pub, the Maltsters Arms. It has suffered �30,000-worth of damage in those three years.

He said: "You want to give up at times, because you get fed up with it.

"You get flooded, you clear up and then, literally within days, you get flooded again. Then you think, 'What's the point?'."

Harbertonford, like other flood blighted communities, is now getting flood defences.

Temperatures rising

In the past three, years, millions of pounds have been invested in building flood defences across the South West.

Politicians have begun to recognise the impact of climate change and are planning and spending accordingly.

But it is not all bad news. For mid Cornwall's Camel Valley Vineyard, climate change offers an opportunity.

Alongside the increased rainfall, temperatures are rising. And warmer days are welcome for wine producers.

Hotter opportunity

Bob Lindo of the vineyard said: "Firstly, there are so many vineyards now.

"There are 400 in England, which in itself is an indication of climate change - that they've all sprung up. And they're expanding.

"We've also noticed that we're getting warmer and warmer years every year."

And for the region's biggest industry, tourism, the hotter summers could offer a great opportunity.

The South West tourism board said the industry generates over �6bn per year.

The board said: "As an industry, our challenge is to continuously improve where necessary."